By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM—When Alabama Hockey takes on Navy Hockey at the Pelham Civic Complex Saturday, Feb. 6, American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 and Pelham Youth Hockey Association will take the opportunity to thank all military personnel.

The tradition of Post 555’s involvement in Military Appreciation Night during an Alabama Hockey game began last year when the SEC Commissioner of hockey reached out to Post 555. All veterans and active military were given free admission, recognized for their service and given medallions.

“(We take) any opportunity to recognize veterans and active military personnel,” said Ron Koonce with Post 555.

This year, Post 555 is running the show and First Vice Commander Kenneth Paschal has gotten the community involved for the occasion.

Exchange Club of Shelby County members will distribute American flags to all military personnel, Calera High School Navy JROTC will present the colors, Pelham High School choir will sing the National Anthem, the David Lindsay Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will present certificates of appreciation and the Bessemer Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol cadets and boy scouts will help pass out appreciation bags.

“We just want to take time to recognize our military,” Paschal said. “Sometimes we forget to do that or we don’t do it enough. We just want to recognize our military, those who have served and those who are still serving.”

Paschal said Post 555 will also have a booth set up in the lobby of the civic complex, displaying all the flags of the branches of military. There will also be a fallen heroes display table to recognize those who were unable to attend the evening.

Photos will be available from 6–8 p.m. in front of the flag display and fallen heroes table, and Paschal said the individual photos can be accessed for download via Post 555 website.

This is the first of many American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 events of the year, supporting the military and community. Koonce said this military night is becoming one of the Post’s main events.

“It’s just a pat on the back, (saying) we appreciate your service,” he said.

The opening ceremony will begin at 6:45 p.m. with the game starting at 7 p.m. Veterans and Active military personnel will receive free admission.